Frequently Asked Questions

About Dr. Eckhaus

Q. What makes you different, Dr. Eckhaus?

A.

I think like all good Plastic Surgeons, I care personally about each of my patients. I care about their health, their recovery and meeting their expectations. This is why I spend time learning about my patients, their goals and aspirations and how I can help them navigate their journey.

Q. What should I look for in a plastic surgeon?

A.

When looking for a plastic surgeon there are a number of things that you should consider. The first is to ensure that they are indeed a Board Certified plastic surgeon. That means that they went to a school that is accredited for a plastic surgery program by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. There is a big distinction in those who went through a plastic surgery residency program and those who went through programs that were either non-surgical or related to other surgeries. Remember that you are undergoing surgery to make a positive and significant change to your body. You need to feel comfortable that your plastic surgeon will not only address your needs before surgery but during surgery and after surgery. In the event that there is a complication, you need to feel comfortable that this is the type of person who's going to be taking care of you from beginning to end.

Q. What procedure should I get done?

A.

I often have patients ask me “what surgery do I need?” I explain to them very clearly that no one actually needs plastic surgery. These are procedures that are best suited for patients who themselves have identified one or multiple areas that bother them. I look at my job as a plastic surgeon not as someone to suggest or recommend procedures. I feel that my role as a plastic surgeon is to listen to my patient’s concerns and requests, to determine whether they are a candidate for surgery and to explain to them their options so that they can make educated decisions to best achieve their goals. If I can teach them everything they need to know about that procedures, the recovery, the risks and benefits, as well as expected outcomes, then I feel they're going to be well-suited, and well-prepared for an excellent outcome overall.

Plastic Surgery 101

Q. Can multiple surgeries be performed at the same time?

A.

Yes, but it depends on the procedures being performed and total length of time of the surgeries. For instance, it is very common to combine an abdominplasty with breast surgery (either augmentation, reduction or lift). Some patients are better candidates for this than others, and the plan needs to be individualized for each patient. There are, however, times when it is best not to have two surgeries performed at the same time. Speak with your board certified plastic surgeon to better understand whether this is an option for you.

Q. What is your position on skin fillers?

A.

Skin fillers are minimally-invasive injectable treatments that require little to no downtime. Each treatment typically lasts about 30 minutes or less – depending on your specific needs. Most patients are able to resume their daily routines after treatment. Results are typically very natural-looking and typically last up to one year. Skin fillers are also often used in combination with a surgical procedure such as a facelift, neck lift, or other rejuvenation procedures for enhanced results. Bruising and some swelling are common following injection and typically last 1-3 days.

Q. Will a facelift change my life?

A.

The elimination of excess skin, in combination with lifting and tightening of the underlying facial soft tissue, can help produce a smoother, younger and more refreshed look. Newer techniques have revolutionized this procedure and help avoid a “pulled” or “over-tight” appearance. A good facelift should look very natural but effective in smoothing out prominent facial wrinkles, lift fallen tissue and reduce the signs of ageing. Ultimately, a facelift procedure can help you look as young as you feel.

Q. Are there scars following plastic surgery?

A.

Scars are unavoidable with surgery, however well placed scars can be nearly imperceptible. Well healed scars can take up to 2 years to fully mature and improve in appearance. Some people have a genetic predisposition to forming poor scars. These scars may be raised or recessed, different in color or texture from surrounding healthy tissue or particularly noticeable due to their size, shape or location.

They can be treated based on the type and degree of scarring and can include:

Simple topical treatments

Minimally invasive procedures, such as injections with cortisone

Surgical revision with advanced techniques in wound closure

Scar revision surgery is meant to minimize the scar so that it is more consistent with your surrounding skin tone and texture.

Although scar revision can provide a more pleasing cosmetic result or improve a scar that has healed poorly, a scar cannot be completely erased.

Q. What is the difference between plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery?

A.

Cosmetic surgery is a branch of plastic surgery. The origin of plastic surgery comes from the Greek word "plastikos" which means to "mould”. Plastic surgeons became very adept at the art of surgery that moulded tissue". Cosmetic surgeries use these techniques to improve aesthetics.

Q. What can I expect in regards to recovery following my plastic surgery procedure?

A.

Recovery will vary depending on the type of procedure you have had. With some surgeries recovery will be as little as one to two days, in other surgeries it can take a few weeks. Swelling and bruising are common and often subside after the first 5 - 10 days. Pain is often well controlled with oral medication.

Breast Augmentation

Q. What should I expect from breast enlargement?

A.

Breast shapes and sizes can be affected by a number of different factors including genetics, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy. A breast augmentation with implants can effectively add volume to your breasts while providing a natural look and feel. Breast enlargement can also help to improve the proportions of your body, ultimately having a positive effect on your overall appearance.

SILICONE: Silicone implants are a very popular implant option due to their natural look and feel. They are composed of a silicone outer shell which is filled with a silicone cohesive gel center. There are a number of benefits to using silicone implant including less risk less risk of visible rippling compared to saline implants.

SALINE: Saline implants are composed of a silicone outer shell filled with a saltwater solution. In the event of a rupture, the saline solution can be harmlessly absorbed by your body. Advances in saline implants have also made it possible for them to create a very natural-looking appearance.

Q. Do breast implants need to be changed every so often?

A.

Breast implants do not last forever. You will probably need surgery at some time in the future to remove and replace your implants, and they may need adjustment or permanent removal. You should discuss this with your plastic surgeon during your initial breast augmentation consultation. There is no set time frame for when breast implants must be replaced, but studies have shown that most patients have had some form of revision surgery by 15 years.

Our Other Procedures

Q. What is a body lift?

A.

A body lift sounds like the most exciting procedure. How do you know if you're a candidate? Patients who have lost an excessive amount of weight through either pregnancy, diet and exercise, or bariatric surgery may be candidates for body lift surgery. A body lift is essentially a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty that goes all the way around the body. This will address extra skin or sagging skin in and around the stomach and the front, the sides, the lower back and the buttock. This will help improve contour and achieve the tone that you desire.

Q. What is a tummy tuck?

A.

The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. It addresses extra skin that can result following pregnancies or weight loss in the tummy as well as along the sides, and address weakness in the abdominal wall particularly after C- sections.

Q. What is Liposuction?

A.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that addresses pockets of extra fat and improves contour in various areas of the body. The most common areas amenable to liposuction are on the outer thighs, and the abdominal wall. Though liposuction can be performed alone, I view it more as a technique; I will use liposuction as a part of most tummy tucks and most breast reduction procedures. It's a great technique to de-bulk or decrease the volume of a certain area without having to cut that tissue away and is therefore less invasive.

Q. What is an upper eyelid blepharoplasty?

A.

With age and genetics the skin on the upper eyelid can become quite heavy. An upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia to remove that excess skin and open up or rejuvenate the upper eye.

Q. What is a facelift and am I a candidate?

A.

I'm often asked "Do I need a facelift or can I get away with just using dermal fillers as a non-surgical option?" The answer is, of course, it depends. Many patients are great candidates for dermal fillers. When the skin has not dropped, or become excessive patients can get away with using a dermal filler to restore volume and give a slightly lifting appearance. These products are used in essence to cheat and fill up low points or wrinkles in the face. Other patients who present with excessive amounts of skin drop or laxity will not be able to get away with dermal fillers alone and will be best suited with a surgical procedure such as a face lift.